John B. Gilbert - Age 48, of Lake Park, FL, formerly of Dedham, December 28, 2006. Beloved son of Norah T. (Downing) and the late John O. Gilbert.
John was born in Boston and was raised in Dedham. In 1978 he moved to West Palm Beach, FL and became an accomplished martial artist. He was an 8th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor in Shaolin Kempo Karate who became a mentor and role model to hundreds of students because of his generous heart and innate wisdom. John worked closely with GrandMaster Fred Villari for over 30 years and was his loyal and close friend. Additionally, John was a firearms expert and marksmen as well as an avid collector. As a self defense instructor, he became well known as a teacher who could work miracles with troubled children by encouraging them to believe in themselves. His inherent kindness and integrity touched these students and helped them grow beyond their problems into decent respectable human beings.
He is survived by his beloved companion, Regina Guy of Lake Park, FL, his sister, Mary E. Gilbert and brother in law, Vincent D’Angelo of Dedham, as well as a large, loving extended family through out the country.
During his illness, John’s humor, grace and courage in facing his battle were truly moving and his one last gift to his family and friends.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, on Friday, Jan. 5, at 9:00 AM. Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St., Dedham, at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Thursday 3-8 PM. Interment Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. In John’s Memory, memorial donations may be made to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane Suite 603 New York, NY 10038 or to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St., Boston, MA 02115.